NJ Resident, 82, Bilked Out Of $432K In Home Improvement Scam: Officials

WOODLAND PARK, NJ — An 82-year-old Woodland Park resident fell victim to a home improvement scam that put at least $432,000 in the perpetrator's bank account, officials in Passaic County said.

The prosecutor's office said Abba Cohen, 42, of Queens took the money from the man for purported home improvement services. Officials learned of the payments on April 25, Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said on Wednesday.

The prosecutor's office told Patch that this scam was a door-to-door operation, but did not specify if Cohen claimed to be from any particular company or home improvement service.

Cohen was arrested on Oct. 15 and faces second-degree charges of conspiracy to commit theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and money laundering, Valdes said. He was released on pre-trial monitoring following an initial court appearance.

Authorities are asking anyone who has information about this particular case, or who may have details about similar incidents involving Cohen, to contact the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO.